AMU JNMC on-duty doctor assault: Accused arrested, RDA calls off strike after security assurances

Aligarh: After an alleged assault on an on-duty female junior resident doctor in the emergency ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the accused have been arrested, and demands for enhanced security for resident doctors have been addressed by the university.

Medical Dialogues had reported that resident doctors staged a strike, disrupting emergency medical services on Thursday afternoon after a female patient allegedly assaulted the resident doctor, apparently angered by delays in medical investigation due to the heavy rush.

The incident took place when Prachi Maheshwari, a resident of ITI Road in the city, arrived at the medical college on Thursday with her husband. She initially consulted a doctor in the outpatient department. It is alleged that she later slapped the junior doctor after not receiving VIP treatment.

Following this, the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) demanded the immediate release of the revolving funds for the recruitment of non-academic residents, a formal apology from the police personnel who misbehaved, increased deployment of security personnel on the hospital premises, and strict implementation of the gate pass system to ensure safety and security.

On this, Dr Sami Ahmed Khan, President, RDA AMU, Aligarh, confirmed that their demands have been addressed and the FIR and other developments have been done through the institution. The accused have been arrested and are currently in custody. "Only the chargesheet remains, which will be done after recording the victim and witness statements," he said.

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Reacting to the incident, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) had previously written to the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, seeking urgent intervention by the university administration to restore a safe and secure working environment. The association warned of a nationwide escalation in consultation with resident doctor bodies across the country if the administration fails to address their demands.

"Such an act is not only deplorable but constitutes a grave criminal offence and a direct obstruction of government duty. This incident reflects a serious and ongoing failure of institutional security mechanisms, despite repeated prior incidents and assurances by the administration and local authorities. Equally concerning are reports of misconduct by police personnel within hospital premises, which further undermine the safety and morale of healthcare workers," said the association in the letter.

FAIMA had demanded an immediate arrest of the accused under appropriate non-bailable sections following registration of an FIR, awritten public apology from the accused to the assaulted doctor, strict administrative action against the concerned police and proctorial staff involved in misconduct, immediate implementation of a gate-pass system, restricting patient attendants (maximum two per patient), urgent strengthening of hospital security infrastructure, time-bound recruitment of non-academic Junior Residents, installation of biometric access systems in doctors’ duty rooms, particularly in high-risk areas like emergency and fixation of administrative accountability and any further lapse must invite strict action, including resignation of responsible authorities.

However, Dr Jaideep Kumar Choudhary, National Chairman, FAIMA, informed Medical Dialogues that all the pending demands have been met by the University Administration, i.e. the VC.

The RDA has thanked FAIMA and allied RDAs for their support letter, and they have taken back their protest now.

Dr Jaideep said that the matter of misbehaviour and violence with a female resident doctor at AMU, Aligarh, was taken into serious consideration by FAIMA. The National Chairman of FAIMA and the President of FAIMA had released a letter of support and had appealed to all the National RDAs to unite and support the Female Doctor in her fight for justice through a letter to the VC, AMU and also the highest police authorities of Aligarh.

"Upon this, the VC of AMU had several rounds of talks (GB meetings) with the RDA, AMU, and on official communication with Dr Sami Ahmed Khan, President, RDA, AMU, Aligarh, U. P., it was finally concluded that the demand for arrest and the immediate approval of more workforce at the Emergency of AMU has been accepted by the VC, AMU. The President, RDA, AMU has thanked FAIMA and the leaders of different RDAs like GARD (GOA), TSRDA(Telangana), T-JUDA, RGMC-MARD (Maharashtra), RDA, BHU, Varanasi and all other RDAs of India for their support to RDA, AMU. The culprits have been arrested, challaned and now the official proceedings will start against them as per the law," said Dr Srinath Dubyala, National President, FAIMA.

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